PREPARE FOR A HOT SUMMER: SET UP YOUR HOME TO BEAT THE HEAT

The Western Cape is quite likely to experience a sizzling hot summer with intensified water restrictions again. Thought needs to be given to the ways in which to keep a home cool, says Rowan Alexander, Director of the Cape Town northern suburbs estate agency Alexander Swart Property.

"The UK has just been through one of the hottest summers on record and all sorts of advice was given on how to cope with this. The large, respected estate agency, Foxtons, issued a press release which went right to the basics. If the home owner cannot, or does not wish to install air-conditioning, Foxtons pointed out that the situation can be improved by ongoing air movements: air can simply be circulated in the room, hot air can be blown out or cool air sucked in. To do any of this, is would be necessary to install one or more fans. If the aim is not just to circulate the air but to replace it with cooler air, the fans should be placed high up at windows or doors, where warm air (which always rises) can be drawn towards them and be expelled from the room. In doing so the fans will also expedite the flow of cooler air into the room. To facilitate air flow, all outward facing doors and windows should be opened. Side sliding, stacker or folding doors can be helpful."

Foxtons point out that on really hot days the air outside the home will usually be warmer than that inside it. They advise homeowners faced with this situation to draw their curtains or blinds for four or five hours at midday. They remind us that one of the big advantages of moving air in any direction, is that it enables the perspiration on our skins to evaporate faster - even though we may not be aware of this.

It is understandable that for financial or ecological reasons, many people reject the idea of installing air-conditioning. Foxton says they should seriously consider the advantages of a far less expensive alternative: installing a dehumidifier. These, while not actually reducing the temperature, do make living conditions for the occupants far more comfortable. Humidity can also be reduced by having several bowls of cacti or succulent plants in the room which are able to absorb moisture from the air. If several are placed in the room, they can have a noticeable effect in reducing humidity.

Alexander says these points should be particularly noted if and when a home is opened up to potential buyers on a show day. Excessive heat in any home will detract markedly from the homes saleability.

For further information, please contact Rowan Alexander on  082 581 3116 or email: rowan@asproperty.co.za